Devising payment systems is a complex exercise. Modifying existing
systems is just as difficult.

New research published by the International Dairy Federation
reveals the variety of solutions found around the world to meet the
variety of demands made on farmers and the dairy industry.

In order to meet consumers' expectations, farmers pay
attention to the composition of their milk, its hygienic quality,
absence of contaminants and antibiotics and also environmental issues,
farm assurance programmes. All these feature in payment systems in some
countries but there is no universal system. Differences from country to
country--climate, market structure, and role of government, export
orientation--mean that the aims of the payment systems also differ.
Frequency and method of payment, how the actual price paid is
determined, what markets are served, what premiums are paid, and how
cost factors such as cooling and transportation are dealt with this new
IDF publication.

"This new IDF survey covers all parameters currently taken
into account to calculate how much a farmer gets paid for the milk.
Practices in 29 countries are presented, from the most sophisticated
dairy sectors to the least and covering cows milk, buffaloes, sheep and
goats. IDF does not seek to recommend any one system, however to ensure
that it provides a source of ideas for those who establish or adapt
payment systems." said Michel Beausejour, compiler of the survey.
"Payment systems for ex-farm milk" is the new Bulletin of IDF
no 403/2006. It can be ordered in electronic form via the IDF website.

Contact IDF on tel: +32 2 706 86 44 or visit www fil-idf.org

COPYRIGHT 2006 Food Trade Press Ltd.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.